Five-Year Contract Secures Better
Wages, Health Care for 8,000 Airline Foodservice
Workers
WASHINGTON, Sept. 3,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 8,000
airline foodservice workers at Gate Gourmet, including 3,700
Teamsters, have secured a five-year agreement that addresses key
demands for wages and health care. The breakthrough follows a
series of "ready to strike" rallies and a credible strike threat
that forced the company to present a fair offer, averting a major
nationwide strike. The new contract includes substantial wage
increases and affordable health care coverage for Gate Gourmet
workers at 30 airports across the U.S.
"The Teamsters' readiness to withhold our labor forced Gate
Gourmet to do the right thing," said Teamsters General President
Sean M. O'Brien. "The company knew
our members were determined to get the wages and health care they
have long deserved. Teamsters fight to win, and we don't break. We
must always be prepared to strike any employer to get what we've
rightfully earned."
The ratified contract includes an affordable union health plan
that will significantly reduce costs from the previous company
plan, providing workers with low copays and greater benefits. It
also includes significant raises, providing workers with annual
wage increases.
The agreement was reached following months of intense
negotiations, political pressure, and worker actions from Teamsters
and unions allies. The National Mediation Board released Gate
Gourmet workers into a 30-day cooling off period at the end of
June. Gate Gourmet workers were prepared to strike as early as
July 30.
"Our credible strike threat was the turning point," said
David Sehring, Teamsters Director of
the Employee Representatives Council for Gate Gourmet. "When the
company saw what they were up against, that thousands of workers
were ready to walk off the job and withhold their labor, they were
forced to present a fair offer. This agreement dramatically
improves wages and health care. Our members have shown incredible
resilience and unity throughout this process, and this agreement is
a direct result of their collective strength and
determination."
The union coalition is comprised of the Teamsters; Unite Here;
the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers Union
(BCTGM); and the Retail Wholesale and Department Store Union
(RWDSU).
"Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto
Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow
us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at
Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Daniel Moskowitz, (770)
262-4971
dmoskowitz@teamster.org
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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters